Eugene Melnyk vows Senators will be Cup contenders again in open letter to fans

LAS VEGAS — Eugene Melnyk has reached out to fans of the Ottawa Senators.

In a letter for season-ticket holders and fans, Melnyk admitted he wasn’t pleased with the way this season had gone, but was determined to get the Senators back to being Stanley Cup contenders.

“This has been a disappointing season for our team. Our place in the standings speaks for itself. Trust me, no one is more aware of this — and more frustrated by it — than I am,” Melnyk wrote.

“But one challenging year does not define our team. And, if anything, the commitment to re-establish our great franchise and reclaim our place atop the NHL standings should unite all Senators fans, partners and season-seat members. Now is the time for us to focus on the future, rather than dwelling on a difficult season.”

Melnyk reminded fans that the Senators reached Game 7 of the National Hockey League’s Eastern Conference final before losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins last spring.

“Remember, it was just a year ago we came within one goal of playing for the Stanley Cup. That grit and that fire are still part of the Senators’ DNA,” Melnyk wrote.

“When I came on board, the Ottawa Senators were in deep financial trouble. Together, with your support, we brought this team back to life and we have had Canada’s most successful NHL on-ice performance over the past 15 years. Backed by Ottawa fans and the entire community, I have demonstrated my commitment to giving you the best possible team over and over again. Today, I am just as committed to the Ottawa Senators and to keeping them in the City of Ottawa, as I was in 2003.”

Melnyk said the Senators organization had to take a long, hard look at itself in the last little while and general manager Pierre Dorion would lead in making the proper changes. He also noted the Senators had to make roster changes leading into the NHL trade deadline on Feb. 26 and would continue to do so to get back to respectability as quickly as possible.

“Enduring a tough year has given us a chance for clear-eyed evaluation. This is an ongoing process, but I can tell you one thing: We are not looking to just tweak our lineup, nor mortgage our future for stop-gap solutions,” Melnyk wrote.

There has been significant backlash since Melnyk made comments before the outdoor game in December that he’d consider moving the team “if it became a total disaster” and then word leaked out that the Senators were listening to trade offers for captain Erik Karlsson.

Melnyk wants people to know the franchise is in Ottawa for the long term and will make the moves required to return to being winners. They plan to make Karlsson, who can become a unrestricted free agent on in July 2019, an offer for a long-term contract extension.

“The kind of change required to reclaim our standing needs a change in approach, requires difficult decisions and commitment to a plan. As an organization, and community, it meant saying goodbye to some very good players this year — quality men who gave their all on the ice and in the community,” Melnyk wrote.

“As a team, we need to get younger, faster and more skilled. We have already announced several key steps to making that happen. I remain committed to investing what is needed to identify, draft and develop the players that embody what it means to be an Ottawa Senator. We have a strong foundation of players on this team and in the pipeline ready to contribute.”

Melnyk also wrote that the Ottawa fan base was his No. 1 priority.

“The passion of our fans in the Ottawa community is unlike any other in the NHL. As an owner, that is the most important thing of all,” he said. “That’s why we are looking to improve every aspect of the Ottawa fan experience. And, of course, we continue to work towards realizing our vision for LeBreton Flats.

“Over the coming months, you’ll learn more about our plans to improve the fan experience, to make our games more fun, accessible and affordable and to have an even greater presence in our community.”

Melnyk said the Senators didn’t take their fan base for granted.

“Every day we are mindful and proud to represent the passion, strength and integrity of the National Capital Region, both on and off the ice. Every member of the organization understands our responsibility to make a positive community impact.

“We are dedicated to be an even larger part of Ottawa’s fabric, to ensure that, no matter the outcome on the ice on any given night, we’ll always, always be winning in the community.”

Melnyk said the Senators would get back to being winners on the ice, too.

“On a personal level, let me repeat that I have every intention of rebuilding the Senators to become the finest team in the NHL and bringing a Stanley Cup to Ottawa,” Melnyk wrote.

“I remain a diehard Sens fan. I know you are, too. We value your support and hope you can join in our excitement about the future for this team.”

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